Master's:
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Physics is a highly flexible program consisting of 32 hours of graduate coursework that can be customized according to the academic background and needs of the individual student.

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Physics consists of 32 hours of graduate coursework and a research project taking one or two semesters. The research project should result in a written report. Students may choose to complete a thesis which is to be defended orally.

Doctorate:
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Physics provides training of professionals to conduct independently conceived programs of research or teaching in universities or research laboratories. Original research is required in fundamental or applied areas of physics, and the Ph.D. dissertation must be orally defended. Two years of graduate coursework, plus four years of research are typical. The required physics courses will prepare the student for the candidacy examination. Students present at least one seminar based on their dissertation research during their graduate career.

Our departmental culture is one of openness and camaraderie. We offer a supportive environment for you to gain experience conducting world-class physics research. We are a diverse group, with a far larger proportion of women faculty than the national average. As a medium-sized department, with a faculty of approximately 30 professors, we offer an excellent balance: You may choose from a diverse set of research topics and research advisors while benefiting from a great deal of individualized attention and daily interaction with experienced scientists. Your everyday work environment could vary from on-site labs where you conduct experiments in which a few people design experiments, take measurements, and analyze data, to detector facilities at national labs where the effort is highly specialized and coordinated among many institutions.

We have an annual Fall picnic, end of semester winter party, weekly colloquium, and regular Nuclear Physics Seminars. Graduate students can participate in a number of clubs and professional groups: the Physics Grad Student Association (PhGSA), a club aimed to enhance the scientific and social environment of all physics graduate students; a local chapter of Scientista, a national foundation focused on promoting women in science and engineering; the Optical Society of America (OSA); and the international society for optics and Photonics (SPIE). In the past, PhGSA has organized Sunday study sessions, potlucks, journal clubs, workshops, graduate research seminars, and short presentations from professors about research in the department. Science outreach opportunities include judging in local science fairs as well as serving as scientific mentors to high school and middle school participants.